I built a darkroom.

I’ve been using film and more specifically, b/w film for YEARS. I used b/w film in my high school darkroom and for many years before digital photography took over the scene, then later revisited film use professionally around 2010 and haven’t looked back. It wasn’t until recently, however, that I built my own darkroom and started spending time re-familiarizing myself with the printing process and now handling the process of shooting b/w film, developing it, and producing a final print all myself, without the need of a computer or anything digital interfering with the final product/print. It’s taken years to get to this point, but it feels completely like home. And it’s just the beginning…there are a lot of alternative processes I cannot wait to experiment with and rabbit holes to follow, all under this umbrella of darkroom work.

Here was the process of getting here…

I converted a small section of our utility room into my darkroom. It’s a small footprint (roughly 70 sqft), but maximizes every inch and is very effective. I built a 7ft long sink out of plywood and epoxy, installed temp controlled and filtered water, had an electrician update the electrical and I installed IKEA cabinets and shelving for storage and organization. Along the way, I was gifted two amazing enlargers via craigslist finds and easels, negative holders, trays, timers and a bunch of other random stuff from National Camera Exchange visits or eBay purchases. The whole process has filled me with immense gratitude as the entire cost of this project was well below what I anticipated, which really helped when it came time to supply chemicals and paper, all of which have become somewhat expensive. Since these photos were taken, I’ve installed additional shelving and a dry desk, with inspection light, for prepping negatives and inspecting prints once they are dry. Future projects for the space will involve figuring out how to install the specialized print washers I recently picked up and possibly adding a table for a dry mount press. Thanks for following along!

Mother Co Plants Wedding in NE Minneapolis

Jeff and Rachel had a smallish, beautiful wedding at Mother Co Plants in NE Minneapolis earlier this Spring. It was such an honor witnessing their plans unfold that day and proof you don’t always need an enormous, elaborate event but simply do what works within your budget and desires. On a side note, Mother Co Plants had closed shop for events for a while, but I was excited to see them open back up for these, because they truly have a gorgeous space that works really well for a smaller wedding or photoshoot. Thanks for following, everyone. I really appreciate your support.

Sadie & Brandon's Elopement / Taylors Falls, MN

I don’t photograph elopements often. Every time I do they are a welcomed change of pace, however. There is no one size fits all wedding. Every couple has unique desires but often, pressure from families or the industry in general can force couples to plan something more than they originally intended or wanted. I believe some couples want a huge party. Some want to elope. Some want everything in-between. It’s a joy photographing them all. It’s an incredible joy photographing a wedding that truly fits the couple and their desires. It’s like the plans are an extension of themselves and you can tell. My time with Sadie & Brandon felt like a true extension of their hearts and I’m so grateful they had me present with them and their close family. Here’s what I saw and documented. Hope you enjoy the photographs and if you are currently planning a wedding…make sure it includes enough of yourself that it’s an extension of who you are. Everyone from your guests to your vendor team will leave grateful and honored to have been there. Thanks for following!